There Is A Wide Choice Of Low Glycemic Snacks Available

By Author: jenifer whitmire
Total Articles: 324
Comment this article

A doctor at the University of Toronto developed the system of measuring a particular food's impact on blood sugar that is known as the Glycemic Index. Although this measuring system and others like it are not a precise science, because foods can vary and so can a person's reaction to them, the theory is helpful when it comes to deciding what to eat. Fortunately, even if you don't understand exactly how the theory works, it's not hard to learn enough to choose low glycemic snacks.

Any carbohydrate has an impact on glucose levels, but some forms of these essential nutrients are deemed worse than others. For instance, refined carbs cause a rapid 'spike' in glucose and a reactive release of insulin by the body. Whole foods, like unrefined grains or unpeeled vegetables, tend to raise the levels in a gradual way that the body can handle more easily.

Reactions differ, as well. A person with hypoglycemia or diabetes will suffer a more rapid increase in blood sugar than someone without these conditions. A sugary doughnut or piece of candy will have more impact when eaten alone on an empty stomach than it will if eaten ...
... as a dessert after a meal.

A doughnut always places high on the index and is a 'poor' food choice full of refined carbohydrates. It contributes little in protein, fiber, or nutrients. Knowing which foods should be avoided or strictly limited is helpful when seeking a balanced diet and stable glucose levels. Snacking may be even more important to health; remember that foods eaten alone can have more impact.

Vegetables are good choices, except starchy potatoes and corn. Crunching fiber and nutrient-rich carrots and celery between meals is ideal. Fruits register on the good side of the Index, except for dried or tropical. Nuts rank even lower and are loaded with good fats, protein, and fiber. Checking a snack on the Index before packing it to take to work just makes sense.

There are many ready-to-eat snack foods designed for those who are concerned about sugars and insulin response. Individual servings of yogurt, shakes, granola and protein bars, and crunchy crisps made of seaweed, legumes, or freeze-dried berries are among these diet-friendly foods. Since the majority of people have a sweet tooth, there are many zero-calorie sweeteners, both artificial and natural. There are also ones that register low on the scale, like brown rice syrup and agave nectar.

Agave syrup, xylitol, maltitol, sorbitol, maltodextrin, and Luo Han Guo are other things you might see in the ingredients of a snack that would be OK if you're watching your carbohydrate intake. These natural or artificial substances all qualify as low, but not all register at zero.

Keeping your blood sugar levels stable is important for many reasons. It's nice that there are many foods and low glycemic snacks to choose from. No one has to feel deprived when they choose to eat wisely.

When you are in need of low glycemic snacks, go to the web pages online today. You can see examples at http://bagelwhizz.com now.